The bathroom is one of the main parts of a house, and it is just pleasant to always have it in good and neat condition. It is very irritating to use one that is dirty and obviously not well-maintained. The “comfort” in the term “comfort room” itself loses its meaning when the area itself is nasty.
Aside from your way of using it, another important factor to consider in order to make sure that the bathroom is always kept clean is the choice of tiles to use in building it. Yes, the colors and the designs of your tiles can affect the physical appearance and attraction of your bathroom, but there’s more to it than just the looks. This is actually more of what materials they are made of, leading them to help you make sure that the bathroom is sanitary and easy to manage.
To help you think of what tiles to use in building your home or in modifying it, below are 5 types of bathroom tiles to choose from.
#1. Ceramic
Ceramic tiles are among the most common types used both in bathroom floors and walls. One of the good things about this type is that it offers a vast range of choices that are distinct from each other. You can choose from numerous sizes, colors and even shapes and textures. You can be as creative as you want too. It might be a bit challenging if you will be overwhelmed with many choices, but at least, you won’t be running out of them!
Sand, glass, and various natural materials can be the components of ceramic tiles. It’s also a nice thing that your bathroom isn’t just benefitting you but also the environment since ceramic tiles are environmentally friendly. They can be manufactured with low waste products and lower pollution.
Multiple ceramic tile variations are made of recycled content, meaning the environmental impact of creating them is reduced. Soap and water can be used to clean them, thus, toxic chemicals in cleaning your bathroom can be lessened too.
On the surface of ceramic tiles is a glazed layer that protects them from damages caused by water penetration. The problem of tile stains isn’t a common thing for ceramic tiles also because of its glaze. This is basically one of the main reasons why this type is usually used in bathrooms where chemicals are used in taking a bath, washing stuff and cleaning the room itself.
For moist or hot areas, this type is also recommended because of its humidity resistance features. Aside from that, ceramic tiles that come with the right glaze are also scratch-resistant. This becomes very helpful if you have pets or playful little kids in your house. Its resistance from events and situations that can wreck it puts more emphasis on how its long lifespan is–of course, with proper usage and maintenance.
Ceramic tiles are also among the cheapest deals out there! You get good tiles for a good price.
#2. Cork
Is there such thing as a cork tile? Yes! Corks aren’t just for boards and champagne covers. They can be also for your bathroom floors and walls! This is absolutely a unique selection.
Because it’s cork, sharp objects can get into it; that’s why there’s a need to be extra careful. This tile type is the perfect partner for your safety while using the bathroom. In case of tripping, falling and slipping accidents, you are rest assured that the floor will catch you safely. The impact won’t result to big issues unlike when you have harder floor tiles. Cork tiles are soft!
The durability of cork tiles is more impressive compared to hardwood flooring. Since the bathroom is used for health and hygienic purposes, it’s surely good to know that this tile type is naturally non-allergenic. It can kill microorganisms and fungi; it can hamper their growth and development in your area. Cleaning it isn’t hard too. Cork does not foster bacterial growth. Mold and mildew are not welcome.
Cork tiles are not waterproof, but they are water-resistant — exactly what a bathroom needs. For the cork tiles’ best performance, cover them with an invisible seal. Don’t forget to sweep to maintain cleanliness and lengthen its life.
Also read – Upgrade Your Bathroom
#3. Porcelain
Porcelain tiles are considered to be part of the ceramic family, and they have the benefits that ceramics have, but there’s more. That means they are more resistant to scratch, stain and humidity. Durability is not a problem with porcelain tiles as water cannot easily penetrate.
Clay is what porcelain tile is made of. Other natural materials are combined together with it before putting in a furnace of fire. Porcelain tile is thick and heavy. It does not easily get old and worn out because of its air pockets, fewer than other types. They cannot get easily broken too which is definitely needed in your bathroom where your things can randomly drop from time to time.
Water in your bathroom’s porcelain tiles can be eliminated without hassle because these tiles don’t need any special coating to remove water from them. This gives you a more manageable way to clean your bathroom without damage. Cleaning your bathroom’s porcelain floor tiles isn’t a hard thing to do; you can simply mop and sweep!
Also, since your bathroom experiences a huge deal of foot traffic everyday, it surely experiences daily deterioration, even if it may not be visible. The porcelain tile type is ideal because it is durable.
For safety purposes, it is also among the best choices because its surface is commonly created with a glaze that makes it slip resistant. Accidents in slipping and tripping inside the bathroom, especially if it’s wide, are not likely to happen with this tile type.
With all those benefits, the price cannot be as low as ceramic tiles’ rates. They are without a doubt more expensive, but of course, you will be getting what’s worth your money.
#4. Terracotta
Terracotta tiles are beautiful, and they give off a classic feel. Doubtlessly, they can give your bathroom visually pleasing features of a cozy and lovely ambiance. The tile is rich is color, making your bathroom warm to the eyes! You’ll know what comfort is!
Just by looking at it, you will know that terracotta tiles are tough. This type is made from a discrete red or earthy hued clay. Possibly it’s because of its component that terracotta tiles, even with different designs, are similar in look or vibe, specifically in color.
Beneficial for the bathroom floor, terracotta tiles do not get as cold as other tile options such as ceramics and glasses.
It’s not difficult to clean these tiles, but maintaining them for a lengthy lifespan asks you to enhance them by applying a sealing agent to them.
#5. Vinyl
Vinyl tile type has lots of benefits that you can get from it exclusively!
Installing vinyl tiles is easy because you can place them over top of existing floors. That throws out the need to take off the old tiles before putting new ones. You can also reuse them, which makes this type an eco-friendly one as well.
Commonly, you can instantly determine if the types are vinyl tiles, but sometimes, they can also be mistaken as other types because their look can also be made similar to ceramic and wooden types. That’s a practical way so you can have the look of other types that you want while you get the boons of vinyl tiles.
Vinyl tile floors are softer than stone tiles or wooden floors, which removes the chances of you getting your joints hurt. To shield the tile from scratches, there’s an added layer to it for more thickness and comfort. This type is highly water-resistant. Unlike other types, vinyl insulates better. It remains close to room temperature; that’s why you won’t find it very hard to walk barefoot inside your bathroom while the weather outside is cold. You can peacefully and more pleasantly walk inside your bathroom even without your slippers on.
If ceramic tiles are inexpensive, vinyl tiles are much cheaper. If you are strictly following a budget, this type should be a top option!
Precious bathroom tiles
It’s quite fun to choose things such as tiles for your bathroom because you yourself will select the designs you’d want to have! While the power to choose is in your hands, your hired custom home builders or home designers will also help you, too, by suggesting what they think you need.
Besides the ones mentioned above, there are other tile types which you might find interest in. Whatever you choose, always make sure that you choose what’s best for your desire and for your necessity. Unlike the living room and the bedroom, the bathroom is not very easy to manage. You cannot simply carry and move the toilet bowl on another corner just as how you can do with your bed. You cannot detach the sink whenever you want just like how you can do with your sofa.
That means you must be particularly wise when it comes to your bathroom’s construction. What you do now will be and must be for long-term use. You can’t just make changes in a minute or two. You cannot just pull a tile off your floor when you don’t like it anymore the day you had it made. Pick your bathroom tiles carefully, so that you won’t waste any time and effort, and most importantly, so that you will be safe and comfortable inside your very own comfort room.
Author bio: For Nicole Ann Pore, as cliche as it sounds, there is no place like home. She believes that is not only a responsibility but also a privilege to create and take care of a house where home is built. Nicole writes on topics that reveal the essence of a nice home, as well as home care and improvement tips. She is a daytime writer for Wincrest Bespoke, one of New South Wales’ most experienced home residential builders. | Nicole graduated Cum Laude from De La Salle University Manila, Philippines with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Arts.
